
Achadas da Cruz Viewpoint
Dramatic coastal viewpoint with a thrilling cable car descent offering unparalleled ocean and cliff vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds

Achadas da Cruz Viewpoint
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic coastal viewpoint with a thrilling cable car descent offering unparalleled ocean and cliff vistas.
"The view from the top alone was stunning and definitely worth the stop."

⏳ Cable Car Wait Times
Expect queues for the cable car; consider going early or late to avoid long waits.
⬆️ Hike or Cable Car?
The cable car is thrilling, but a challenging hike is an alternative for the adventurous.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz
Porto Moniz
A thrilling cable car ride down a steep slope, offering unique sea and mountain views.

Upper Viewpoint
Top of the cable car station
Breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged coastline and dramatic green hills.

Fajã da Quebrada Nova
Bottom of the cable car
A small coastal area accessible by cable car, offering a unique perspective of the cliffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cable Car Caution
Viewpoint Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Cable Car Wait Times
Expect queues for the cable car; consider going early or late to avoid long waits.
⬆️ Hike or Cable Car?
The cable car is thrilling, but a challenging hike is an alternative for the adventurous.
☀️ Sunset Spectacle
The sunset from this viewpoint is spectacular, but check cable car operating hours.
🚗 Road Trip Stop
A great stop on a Madeira road trip for stunning coastal scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Cable Car Wait Times
Expect queues for the cable car; consider going early or late to avoid long waits.
⬆️ Hike or Cable Car?
The cable car is thrilling, but a challenging hike is an alternative for the adventurous.
☀️ Sunset Spectacle
The sunset from this viewpoint is spectacular, but check cable car operating hours.
🚗 Road Trip Stop
A great stop on a Madeira road trip for stunning coastal scenery.
☕ Coffee with a View
Enjoy a coffee with a stunning view at the top viewpoint.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Achadas da Cruz offers breathtaking views from its upper viewpoint, with the cable car ride down to Fajã da Quebrada Nova being a unique, albeit sometimes lengthy, experience. While some find the bottom area lacking, others praise the thrilling descent and stunning coastal scenery. Be prepared for potential queues and consider the viewpoint at the top as a worthwhile alternative.
"We had hoped to take the cable car down to the promenade for some fantastic views and photos. Unfortunately, it was under maintenance despite being told it would reopen the day before our visit. Still, the view from the top alone was stunning and definitely worth the stop."
Sandy Lindholm
"Absolutely stunning views! The scenary from the Miradouro is breathtaking. Taking the cable car down to the coast is quite the adventure — it’s steep and exhilarating, but totally worth it. A unique and memorable experience that combines natural beauty with a bit of a thrill. Highly recommend!"
Cristina Mirica
"This wasn’t our thing. Sure it’s cheap. But we had to wait at least 30 min down and 30 min up again. And there’s just not so much to do. Sure, the walk next to the shoreline is nice and the views pretty. Maybe more something outside peak season? There are for sure nicer options for cable car connections to deserted beaches on the south side of the island."
Bart de Vos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Achadas da Cruz is located in Porto Moniz. The most common way to reach it is by car, as part of a scenic road trip around the island. You can park at the top and access the viewpoint directly. The cable car station is also located here.
The roads leading to Achadas da Cruz can be steep and winding, typical of Madeira's mountainous terrain. Drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles. Some visitors have experienced getting stuck on the second point by car, so careful navigation is advised.
Public transport options to Achadas da Cruz might be limited and time-consuming. Renting a car is generally recommended for exploring Madeira and reaching viewpoints like this conveniently.
Many visitors recommend taking the cable car down to Fajã da Quebrada Nova for a unique experience, but be prepared for potential wait times. The viewpoint at the top also offers incredible scenery.
Yes, Achadas da Cruz can easily be incorporated into a day trip, especially if you are exploring the northern coast of Madeira. It's often combined with visits to Porto Moniz natural pools or Fanal Forest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cable car ride is generally inexpensive, with one visitor mentioning it's 'cheap'. Specific prices can vary, so it's best to check on arrival.
Tickets for the cable car are typically purchased on-site. Due to potential queues, arriving early or late in the day is advisable to avoid long waits.
The cable car service usually ends around 6 PM. It's crucial to check the operating hours before your visit, especially if you plan to stay for sunset, as you might need to hike back up.
The viewpoint at the top of Achadas da Cruz is generally free to access. The cost is primarily associated with the cable car ride down to the coast.
If the cable car is under maintenance, you can still enjoy the stunning views from the upper viewpoint. Some visitors found the top view alone to be 'stunning and definitely worth the stop'.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the upper viewpoint are incredible for landscape photography. The cable car ride itself offers unique angles of the steep cliffs and the ocean below.
Yes, Achadas da Cruz is a popular spot for sunset photos, offering spectacular golden hour light over the Atlantic. Remember to check the cable car's closing time if you plan to descend.
The main viewpoint at the top of the cable car station provides expansive vistas. Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira also offers views towards Achadas da Cruz.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the sweeping landscapes. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the ocean and sky.
Yes, you can take photos from the cable car, but some visitors noted that the windows can be scratched, slightly obscuring the view. Still, it offers a unique perspective.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
At the bottom, you'll find Fajã da Quebrada Nova, a small coastal area. Some visitors found it to be a 'ghost town' with 'nothing to do,' while others enjoyed the walk along the shoreline.
The hike down and back up is described as challenging, involving a descent and ascent of 500 meters over a 4-kilometer round trip. It's a significant physical effort.
Based on reviews, there are limited facilities at the bottom, with one visitor specifically mentioning 'not even a coffee shop'.
This can vary greatly. If you're just visiting the viewpoint, an hour might suffice. If you plan to take the cable car down and explore, factor in potential wait times and the hike, which could extend your visit significantly.
Yes, the viewpoint at the top offers stunning, expansive views of the coastline and is considered 'definitely worth the stop' even if the cable car is unavailable or you choose not to use it.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Adventurous Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Achadas da Cruz Cable Car Experience
Despite the potential for queues, the experience is often described as 'amazing' and 'stunning'. At the bottom, Fajã da Quebrada Nova is a small, somewhat isolated coastal settlement. While some reviewers found it to be a 'ghost town' with little to do, others enjoyed a walk along the shoreline and the unique perspective it offers. For those seeking a more active experience, a challenging hike down and back up the steep slope is an alternative to the cable car, though it requires a good level of fitness.
Capturing the Views: Photography at Achadas da Cruz
For capturing these scenes, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the scenery. A polarizing filter can also be beneficial to enhance the saturation of the ocean and sky, especially during the golden hour. While the cable car ride offers unique photographic opportunities, be mindful that the windows may be scratched, potentially affecting clarity. Nevertheless, the perspective from the cable car, looking down the steep incline towards the sea, is a distinctive shot that captures the essence of this location.





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